Police have raised fresh concerns about driver behaviour in Swindon after almost 90 motorists were caught speeding on a single stretch of road in less than an hour.
Wiltshire Police confirmed that 88 drivers were detected travelling above the speed limit during a 50-minute enforcement session on Queens Drive, Holy Cross, on Wednesday morning, January 8.
Speed checks were carried out between 10.35am and 11.25am as part of ongoing work by civilian Speed Enforcement Officers, who are deployed across Wiltshire and Swindon to tackle dangerous driving.
During the checks, officers recorded one vehicle travelling at 58mph along the road, which is subject to a 30mph speed limit. Police say the figure is among the highest recorded during recent enforcement activity in the area.
Of the 88 drivers found to be exceeding the limit, 77 will be offered a speed awareness course. Nine motorists will receive fines and penalty points, while two are due to be summonsed to court.
Road Safety Supervisor Sarah Holden said the results were worrying, particularly given the risks posed by speeding in residential areas.
“Over the Christmas period, our civilian speed enforcement officers have continued with their regular checks across the county to deal with drivers who believe the rules don’t apply to them,” she said. “Speeding remains one of the leading causes of serious and fatal collisions, and it is deeply concerning to see the speeds being reached in 30mph areas.”
She added that the limits are in place to protect everyone using the road.
“The speed limit exists for a reason – to keep drivers, passengers and other road users safe.”
Police also highlighted a separate incident on December 29, when a driver was recorded travelling at 54mph in a 30mph zone outside St Luke’s School on Cricklade Road.
“Even though it was during the school holidays, it is still alarming to see the level of risk some drivers are prepared to take in places where children may be present,” said Ms Holden.
Any footage captured during enforcement sessions is reviewed for other offences, including failing to wear a seatbelt or using a mobile phone while driving – both of which are among the so-called ‘fatal five’ causes of serious collisions.
Wiltshire Police confirmed that Speed Enforcement Officers are police staff rather than sworn officers, and that they carry out checks on a daily basis across the county.
